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Medicare Studies Limiting Number
Of Drug Plans That Insurers Offer

WASHINGTON -- In an effort to simplify Medicare's new prescription-drug program, the federal government is considering reducing the number of drug plans health insurers can offer next year.

In a memo to health insurers, the Medicare agency said it is considering limiting drug-plan companies to two different plans in each region. The memo suggested Medicare might decide to limit health insurers to one "basic" benefit plan and one "enhanced" benefit. This year -- the first time the drug coverage became available...